In Focus: What Would JC Santos Tell His Younger Self?

This was the ultimate kilig line from JC Santos when asked about the most memorable part of his shoot with Lauren Reid for local clothing brand, Folded & Hung. "Ang galing niya. She's really good. Sabi ko, acting-wise, wala siyang problema, magiging artista 'to eventually," the Till I Met You heartthrob adds.

He's able to see talent from up-and-coming stars, what with his years acting onstage for several theater performances, where his career evolved. It was his gateway to mainstream, although he's quick to dismiss the thought of doing television back then. He says he's happy and content with what he already has; everything that came next just made him happier. "May nagtanong nga sa'kin before eh," JC shares, "Kailan mo hinintay 'tong break na t'o? Sagot ko, ah, hindi po ako naghintay. Masaya po ako no'n, sumaya lang ngayon."

The way he skyrocketed to fame doesn't faze him, though. He's still the same old JC, who wants to go to New York to study (his ultimate dream that he was able to achieve already!) and loves acting so much that he sees himself in the industry for the longest time. He considers fame as a perk, the undeniable respect he gets from people is something he's truly grateful for. But the JC now is nothing different from the JC a few years back.

So we can't help but wonder: Given the chance, what would he tell his younger self? He easily answers it in three sentences.

"For the 16-year-old JC, enjoy. For 18, hala ka." He grins as if memories from his college years rush back in his head. And finally, for his 20-year-old self, "Good job." And rightfully so.

Today, JC is fast becoming an in-demand celebrity with a growing number of followers who look up to him and his talent. He's busy with projects and exploring this new world he's in—so expect more years of JC Santos goodness in television. And hopefully soon, he adds another art to his already long and impressive resume.